Spennymoor Town v NFU (NLN 17-18)

Spennymoor Town v North Ferriby United
National League North
Saturday 14 April 2018
Kick-off 3.00 pm

Ferriby travel to promotion-chasing Spennymoor Town on Saturday. Town are in sixth place in The National League North and are chasing play-off position. They are still in need of points to secure one.

Spennymoor have a back-log of games to fit in. They have had two home games scheduled for this week but have had to switch them to Harrogate Town because the Brewery Field pitch was ruled unplayable following an inspection last Sunday. They drew 0-0 with Boston on Tuesday and lost 0-3 to Brackley on Thursday.

It is unclear as to whether the pitch was just too wet, needed remedial work or both but it is rare to call off a Thursday evening game on the Sunday due to the state of the pitch. If the game goes ahead at the Brewery Field on Saturday, it will be interesting to see the condition of the pitch.

The reverse fixture at The Eon Visual Media Stadium in September saw Ferriby lose 0-6. It was a dire performance. As the saying goes, “we never showed up”. Saturday’s game could be a good marker for what Chris Bolder is aiming to achieve with Ferriby.

Spennymoor have games in hand on their play-off rivals but they have a hectic schedule in the next three weeks. Even so, they should be able to secure a play-off spot.

Town’s performance has been mixed since mid February with three wins, one draw and six defeats in their last ten games, including Thursday’s game. Overall, they have scored 65 goals and conceded 60. Their home record is one of eight wins, four draws and four defeats with 25 goals scored and 21 conceded.

Town’s main goal threat comes from Glen Taylor who has 18 goals for the season. The remaining goals have been spread through the team.

Ferriby put in a reasonable display against Stockport County last Saturday but could have no complaint about the final score.

Bolder commented after the game,
“I think for certain parts of the game we were very competitive. In some elements of the game we are still making fundamental mistakes. We’ve spoke in the dressing room about this and what is required at this level of football.

“There were certain things we could have done to prevent individual goals. We started well and conceded a sloppy goal then gave away a needless free-kick.

“Being positive, we were very competitive for large sections of the game. I think they knew they were in a game. They caused us lot of problems on set pieces but in open play they didn’t cut us open too often.

“At times we caused them problems but it didn’t always work.”

Looking towards Saturday, Bolder has this to say.
“There is no immediate pressure on our players. There are no vast expectations because we are realistic of where they have come from. So we’ll take as many positives as we can from each game. It is mine and Paul’s job to work with and develop these players. We don’t expect lads to come in at this level and be the finished article but we are looking for the right attitude.

“These lads are acquitting themselves given where they have come from and they are not disgracing themselves by any stretch of the imagination. These experiences are invaluable. They haven’t played against players of this quality before.

“Our remit is to work with best local players we can and develop them. They develop through experience and we are giving them that. Twenty games at this level will provide esperience the can’t get anywhere else.. They are working with me and Paul to develop as players. They have to take what we say and suggest on board.

“Spennymoor are another great side. Historically, when I’ve come up against them they are a very good side. They move the ball well and there is always goals in them. It will be another new experience on a very big pitch.”

Bolder should have virtually all his squad to choose from. Brett Agnew is likely to miss the rest of the season. AJ George and Lewis Collins have returned to Mansfield Town following their loan periods.